New York City Fire Department

EMT Raphael Andújar Filion began his civil service career at 16 years old in the Dominican Republic, responding to emergencies for over 12 years before moving to the United States. "When I came here in 2018, I didn't know how to say hello in English, and I wanted to enroll myself in an English class. I enrolled in two English classes, one in the morning and one in afternoon," EMT Filion said. Filion's desire to serve the people of New York City was significantly influenced by the events of 9/11, motivating him to come to the United States. "For me, that day changed my life. I didn't do this job for the money. I needed money to pay my bills, but I do this job from the heart because I love the job." We're proud to highlight and celebrate EMT Filion's story for Hispanic Heritage Month!

On Monday, New York-Task Force1's Type I Task Force returned to Brooklyn after deploying to Florida for Hurricane Milton. The #FDNY thanks its partner agencies—FEMA, New York City Police Department and NYC Emergency Management—for their support and leadership during these deployments. The Task Force's K9 teams remain deployed to North Carolina, assisting with operations following Hurricane Helene. We thank all members of New York-Task Force 1 for their dedication to helping other communities in times of need.

On Monday, #FDNY members participated in the 80th annual Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan. Members had a great time celebrating their Italian American culture and interacting with the New Yorkers lined up as they marched along Fifth Avenue.

On Sunday, members of the #FDNY Hispanic Society joined thousands of fellow New Yorkers to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and marched in the 2024 Hispanic Day Parade.

For the last 20 years, the FDNY Center for Terrorism & Disaster Preparedness has been a national leader in intelligence, exercise design and disaster preparedness. The CTDP's research, strategies and plans have influenced national policies and improved the #FDNY's all-hazards approach. FDNY members, both past and present, marked the 20th anniversary of The Center with a ceremony on Friday at Fort Totten.

Meet Yvette Gonzalez, an administrative assistant with the FDNY's Office of Labor Relations. She has been a member of the #FDNY for more than 35 years, first joining the Department as an EMT in 1989, working in the South Bronx. "I knew at a very young age that I wanted to help and care for people and respond to emergencies," she said. "Working as an emergency medical technician for EMS was a calling for me." We're proud to highlight and celebrate Yvette's story for Hispanic Heritage Month!

Each year, thousands of #FDNY members and the families of fallen members gather at the Firemen's Memorial on Riverside Drive in Manhattan to remember and honor those who the Department lost over the past year. This year, we honored 14 members, including two members who died in the line of duty. "Memorial Day is a sad day, but it's a necessary day for our Department," FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. "We're saddened by the weight of these losses. The members we honor today were all selfless, amazing people who gave their lives in dedication of service to our city. Their sworn oath to serve and protect guided their every day, and we know they lived as they worked—with honor and dignity. Let us pay tribute to them. Let us honor them." "To the families here today: We know that no word can ease your pain or fill the void left by your loved ones, but please know that their memory is cherished and their service will never be forgotten," Chief of Department John Esposito said. "This Department is with you—not only today, but always, honoring their legacy with the same sense of duty and sacrifice that defined their lives." We will #NeverForget our fallen members: Firefighter Daniel Powers, Engine 250 *EMT Frederick Whiteside, PSAC II Rev. Monsignor John E. Delendick, Ladder 170 EMT Sebastian Vazquez, Station 26 Firefighter Wilkins Vega, Engine 221 EMT David Davis, Station 50 Firefighter Kamran Khan, Engine 219 Firefighter Jason Baldwin, Ladder 46 EMT Marc Jansen Bolanos, Station 26 Firefighter Deo Lall, Jr., Engine 153 Firefighter Anthony Caliendo, Ladder 158 Firefighter Hugo Reyes Parada, Engine 24 Lieutenant Ryan Charkowick, DOT - Ropes *Supervising Fire Marshal George E. Snyder, Jr., BFI SOC *Died in the line of duty

The #FDNY held its annual Bureau of Fire Prevention Employee Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, recognizing 25 members for their hard work across various units in all five boroughs. "Fire prevention is hard work. It is work that is critically important to keeping our city, its residents and our first responders safe," Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. "It is work that allows us to protect our evolving city, adapting to its changing landscape with new threats to fire safety we have never seen before. ... The inspections you do may not be seen by the public at large, but we see you." ? "I often say that the Bureau of Fire Prevention is the tip of the spear and the first point of contact to address challenging, life safety issues," Chief of Fire Prevention Thomas Currao said. "This daily mission is only possible through the collaborative and coordinated expertise from all corners of the Bureau of Fire Prevention." ? The event, which is held annually during National Fire Prevention Week, highlights the important work members of the Bureau of Fire Prevention do to protect life and property in New York City.

On Monday, #FDNY members joined graduates, educators and facilitators to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first graduating class of New York City EMS paramedics. The group held a reunion at HHC/Jacobi Medical Center, shared memories and told stories about the origin of the program, which started as a pilot in 1974.

National #FirePreventionWeek kicks off today and runs through Oct. 12. This year’s campaign is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” Your chance of dying in a fire is reduced by nearly half if you have a working smoke alarm in your home, so make sure yours is working and is up to date. For more life-saving tips and safety information, go to FDNYSmart.org.